Anita Rose - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Anita Rose

Studies in Psychology, 2022

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Jul 8, 2016

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at high risk of depression. We undertook a pi... more Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at high risk of depression. We undertook a pilot trial of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) for the treatment of depression in people with MS to test the feasibility of undertaking a full trial.

Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of depression in people with multipl... more Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of depression in people with multiple sclerosis: external pilot trial

International journal of MS care, 2020

Background Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairme... more Background Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairment, and treatment options are rare. The aims of this systematic review were to identify psychological interventions used to treat sexual dysfunction in MS, to estimate their benefit, and to note appropriate treatment approaches for research projects and clinical use. Methods A systematic review update was conducted to find psychological interventions aiming to improve sexual dysfunction in MS. A comprehensive search and review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed were completed, and the effects and quality of selected studies were reported. Results Six publications with 295 participants were identified. All selected studies assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions on sexual dysfunction or sexual satisfaction in people with MS; four studies directly targeted sexual dysfunction in MS, one was a mindfulness yoga program to improve fatigue and quality of life, and one ot...

International Journal of Psychiatry Research

Background and aims: In 2017, Jones and Penn presented a study showing that it was possible to te... more Background and aims: In 2017, Jones and Penn presented a study showing that it was possible to teach listeners to understand dysarthric speech. This was achieved by frequently listening to dysarthric patients reading the same passage. As we were working with a severely dysarthric man at the time, our aim was to see if the Jones and Penn method worked for our patient, DJ. Method: Two passages of equal length and difficulty were selected. One of the co-authors was blinded to one of the passages and it served as a baseline. The second passage was the treatment piece. Following four baselines, treatment began. DJ read the treatment passage three times in weekly sessions for a period of 4 weeks. It was hoped this would enable the listener to become familiar with DJ's speaking. Baselines were then repeated, followed by two further weekly treatment sessions, which were repeated once more and two final baselines completed. Results:Treatment resulted in better understanding of the unseen passage. Improvement ranged from 3.52% in the first set of baselines to 33.3% to 46.7% to 65.5% in the final baselines. Conclusion: Although still difficult to understand, there was definitely a better grasp of this man's speech after listening to him read several times.

Acta Scientific Paediatrics

We describe the case of Andy, a man with partial Locked-In Syndrome and consider the definition o... more We describe the case of Andy, a man with partial Locked-In Syndrome and consider the definition of LIS, reporting that at least 60 per cent of people with this condition have sustained a stroke in the area of the pons. We reflect on the best way to determine the cognitive functioning of people with LIS and whether or not their cognitive abilities are normal. We also address the issue of assessments when people have both LIS and cortical damage. Andy, the patient, provides his own views on what it is like to have partial LIS. We conclude that his cognitive functioning is, on the whole, good apart from one test of visual problem solving. In fact two other patients assessed in detail by us show the same pattern. The main difference between Andy and the others is that he sees no advantages in having LIS whereas the two previously reported patients both found positives in their condition.

PLOS ONE

Objective Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant, but often underestimate... more Objective Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant, but often underestimated and overlooked suffering. Interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in MS are rare. The relation between sexual dysfunction in MS and psychological as well as neuropsychological aspects is evident. However, this field of research remains markedly underdeveloped in this severe chronic illness. The aim of this scoping review is to describe the relevant knowledge in this area and to identify psychological interventions to treat sexual dysfunctions in MS. Methods A scoping review was conducted to answer the following questions: (1) Which psychological and neuropsychological factors impact on sexual dysfunction in MS and vice versa? (2) What kind of psychological interventions aiming to improve sexual dysfunctions in MS are available? A comprehensive search and review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was completed by using a recent methodological framework for scoping reviews.

Locked-In Syndrome after Brain Damage

Brain injury, 2018

Patients with brain injury are at high risk for infections. Although infection and cognitive dete... more Patients with brain injury are at high risk for infections. Although infection and cognitive deterioration are established for people with dementia, this has not been shown for patients with a prolonged disorder of consciousness (PDOC). This study determines whether regular Wessex Head Injury Matrix (WHIM) assessments can identify early signs of infections in patients with PDOC. Retrospective and prospective approaches were used to assess the WHIM scores of patients with a PDOC (N = 21 in the retrospective study and 22 in the prospective study). The WHIM total scores decreased due to infections in 17 of the 21 cases of infection (p < 0.001) in the retrospective study and 15 (p = 0.001) of the 22 prospective cases of infection. Patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) showed a bigger proportion of change between their baseline score and the scores taken in the pre-infection stage in both the retrospective and prospective studies when compared to patients in a vegetative state...

Neuropsychological rehabilitation, 2018

Diogenes Syndrome (DS) is characterised by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, hoarding, soci... more Diogenes Syndrome (DS) is characterised by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, hoarding, social withdrawal, and lack of concern and shame for the individual's residential situation. This paper describes TD who was unable to identify emotional expressions of disgust and was borderline-impaired for facial recognition associated with perceptual difficulties. Problems interpreting expressions of disgust were interesting as TD was living in squalor, neglecting himself, and lacked concern for his circumstances. This led us to question whether the basis of his difficulties were neuropsychological or psychological in nature, which became the objective of this study, with a focus on shame and disgust. TD completed neuropsychological and psychological assessments alongside an experimental task investigating processing of disgust and his living situation. Results highlighted executive dysfunction but understanding of living with the consequences of squalor was spared as was emotion bas...

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Neuropsychological rehabilitation, Jan 10, 2017

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a little known genetic condition that causes severe disturbances in car... more Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a little known genetic condition that causes severe disturbances in cardiac rhythm and may result in sudden unexpected cardiac death in an apparently healthy person. The heart structure is typically normal but there are problems with electrical activity. The syndrome is named after Spanish brothers who are cardiologists, Pedro and Josep Brugada. BrS is the major cause of sudden unexplained death syndrome (SUDS), also known as sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). Following a description of the syndrome, including its prevalence and incidence, how it is diagnosed and how it can be treated, we consider those who survive a cardiac arrest and what problems they may face. Most publications focus on the medical aspects of BrS but, of course, cardiac arrest can result in hypoxic brain damage. We conclude with the story of Dave, a 25-year-old man diagnosed with BrS following a nose bleed and subsequent cardiac arrest. He was left with a visual impairment, dyston...

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 2017

Following a description about the characteristics of akinetic mutism (AM) and how it differs from... more Following a description about the characteristics of akinetic mutism (AM) and how it differs from locked-in syndrome (LIS) and a disorder of consciousness (DOC), we present the case of David, a 71-year-old man with AM. David sustained a stroke following a middle cerebral artery (MCA) thrombus. A CT scan at the time detected old ischaemic infarcts affecting the right frontal lobe, the left occipital lobe and the left parietal lobe so David had bilateral brain damage. Initially thought to have a DOC, further neuropsychological assessments administered when David had improved a little, resulted in the diagnosis of AM. Although David spoke little, when he did speak, his words and phrases were well articulated, grammatical and with appropriate intonation. He was alert and visually aware and he was not paralysed. We discuss whether the diagnosis was correct and address the difficulties in assessing such patients.

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 2016

Sheehan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s... more Sheehan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s syndrome (SS) is one of the pituitary disorders caused by severe blood loss during childbirth leading to necrosis of the pituitary gland. Diagnosis is made following severe haemorrhage, failure to produce milk and failure to menstruate. Rare in countries with good obstetric care, SS is still frequent in those countries with poor healthcare services. The majority of papers published on SS do not mention psychological or neuropsychological sequelae. Of those that do, mood disorders are sometimes reported and occasionally cognitive problems are noted, typically attention, memory or executive deficits. We report on Natasha, a British woman of Caribbean ancestry with sickle cell disease (SCD), diagnosed at age 33 years with SS following the birth of her second child. We know of no reports of a person with both SCD and SS. Natasha has been seen regularly for neuropsychological assessment and treatment for over two years. There has been a slight increase in her cognitive functioning but she remains with Balint&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s syndrome, so is unable to read. Treatment for this has been partially successful. Natasha presented with psychotic type symptoms when first seen but these have improved to a large extent. We believe that these symptoms are consistent with SS but the severe cognitive problems are more likely to be due to the strokes she suffered at the time of the haemorrhage and, possibly, to hypoxic damage caused by very low blood pressure.

Disability and rehabilitation, Jan 28, 2016

Modafinil is best known as a sleep regulator among healthy individuals, but studies suggest that ... more Modafinil is best known as a sleep regulator among healthy individuals, but studies suggest that it reduces excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with brain injury. This retrospective pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of Modafinil for people with a prolonged disorder of consciousness and whether those with a traumatic brain injury did better than those with a non-traumatic brain injury. Twenty four prolonged disorder of consciousness patients who were prescribed Modafinil, were assessed at least four times both before and during treatment. The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised was used to determine if patients had a disorder of consciousness and the Wessex Head Injury Matrix was used to monitor behavior during baseline and treatment periods. Patients with a traumatic brain injury (N = 12) were compared with those with non-traumatic brain injury (N = 12). A chi-square test with significance at 0.05 was used and when frequencies were below 5 a Fisher's Exact Test was used. Cogn...

NeuroRehabilitation, Jan 18, 2016

Balint's Syndrome is a rare condition, often associated with hypoxic brain damage. The major ... more Balint's Syndrome is a rare condition, often associated with hypoxic brain damage. The major characteristic is an inability to localise objects in space, another is simultanagnosia frequently resulting in reading difficulties. We present RN, a 37 year old woman whose major problem with reading was her inability to recognise individual letters correctly in either lower or upper case. We noted, however, that she was better if the letters were shown in red type. The aims were to determine if RN could relearn letters of the alphabet, investigate whether colour affected her ability to learn, and to explore more specifically whether the red type also helped her to read words. Using a single case experimental ABA design, we first determined that the optimal font for RN was size 16. In the baseline (A) phase, we assessed her ability to read all lower and upper case letters of the alphabet in black ink. In the intervention (B) phase we used font size 16 in red ink and an errorless learni...

Nursing Standard, 2016

This book documents the journey of Gary, a young man who sustained a severe traumatic brain injur... more This book documents the journey of Gary, a young man who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in an attack by a gang armed with hammers and baseball bats.

Cortex, 2007

The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD).... more The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty three AD patients and age-matched controls named pictures of objects and actions and took part in a word-picture verification task. The results for picture naming revealed that both patients and controls were faster and produced more target responses for objects than actions. In the comprehension task, accuracy levels were comparable for nouns and verbs, but response times were longer for verbs. Although patients were more error prone and had longer latencies in both tasks than controls, the only qualitative difference in performance between the groups was in response to trials with semantically related foils in the word-picture verification task. Patients were particularly error prone in this condition. We conclude that the results do not provide support for the notion that verbs are selectively preserved in AD. They also do not provide conclusive evidence for claims that depressed naming and comprehension is (always) due to loss of semantic knowledge or inadequate access to semantic knowledge. Finally, we discuss the findings in relation to comparable investigations in patients with semantic dementia.

Cortex, 2007

The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD).... more The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty three AD patients and age-matched controls named pictures of objects and actions and took part in a word-picture verification task. The results for picture naming revealed that both patients and controls were faster and produced more target responses for objects than actions. In the comprehension task, accuracy levels were comparable for nouns and verbs, but response times were longer for verbs. Although patients were more error prone and had longer latencies in both tasks than controls, the only qualitative difference in performance between the groups was in response to trials with semantically related foils in the word-picture verification task. Patients were particularly error prone in this condition. We conclude that the results do not provide support for the notion that verbs are selectively preserved in AD. They also do not provide conclusive evidence for claims that depressed naming and comprehension is (always) due to loss of semantic knowledge or inadequate access to semantic knowledge. Finally, we discuss the findings in relation to comparable investigations in patients with semantic dementia.

Studies in Psychology, 2022

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Jul 8, 2016

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at high risk of depression. We undertook a pi... more Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at high risk of depression. We undertook a pilot trial of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) for the treatment of depression in people with MS to test the feasibility of undertaking a full trial.

Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of depression in people with multipl... more Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of depression in people with multiple sclerosis: external pilot trial

International journal of MS care, 2020

Background Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairme... more Background Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairment, and treatment options are rare. The aims of this systematic review were to identify psychological interventions used to treat sexual dysfunction in MS, to estimate their benefit, and to note appropriate treatment approaches for research projects and clinical use. Methods A systematic review update was conducted to find psychological interventions aiming to improve sexual dysfunction in MS. A comprehensive search and review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed were completed, and the effects and quality of selected studies were reported. Results Six publications with 295 participants were identified. All selected studies assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions on sexual dysfunction or sexual satisfaction in people with MS; four studies directly targeted sexual dysfunction in MS, one was a mindfulness yoga program to improve fatigue and quality of life, and one ot...

International Journal of Psychiatry Research

Background and aims: In 2017, Jones and Penn presented a study showing that it was possible to te... more Background and aims: In 2017, Jones and Penn presented a study showing that it was possible to teach listeners to understand dysarthric speech. This was achieved by frequently listening to dysarthric patients reading the same passage. As we were working with a severely dysarthric man at the time, our aim was to see if the Jones and Penn method worked for our patient, DJ. Method: Two passages of equal length and difficulty were selected. One of the co-authors was blinded to one of the passages and it served as a baseline. The second passage was the treatment piece. Following four baselines, treatment began. DJ read the treatment passage three times in weekly sessions for a period of 4 weeks. It was hoped this would enable the listener to become familiar with DJ's speaking. Baselines were then repeated, followed by two further weekly treatment sessions, which were repeated once more and two final baselines completed. Results:Treatment resulted in better understanding of the unseen passage. Improvement ranged from 3.52% in the first set of baselines to 33.3% to 46.7% to 65.5% in the final baselines. Conclusion: Although still difficult to understand, there was definitely a better grasp of this man's speech after listening to him read several times.

Acta Scientific Paediatrics

We describe the case of Andy, a man with partial Locked-In Syndrome and consider the definition o... more We describe the case of Andy, a man with partial Locked-In Syndrome and consider the definition of LIS, reporting that at least 60 per cent of people with this condition have sustained a stroke in the area of the pons. We reflect on the best way to determine the cognitive functioning of people with LIS and whether or not their cognitive abilities are normal. We also address the issue of assessments when people have both LIS and cortical damage. Andy, the patient, provides his own views on what it is like to have partial LIS. We conclude that his cognitive functioning is, on the whole, good apart from one test of visual problem solving. In fact two other patients assessed in detail by us show the same pattern. The main difference between Andy and the others is that he sees no advantages in having LIS whereas the two previously reported patients both found positives in their condition.

PLOS ONE

Objective Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant, but often underestimate... more Objective Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant, but often underestimated and overlooked suffering. Interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in MS are rare. The relation between sexual dysfunction in MS and psychological as well as neuropsychological aspects is evident. However, this field of research remains markedly underdeveloped in this severe chronic illness. The aim of this scoping review is to describe the relevant knowledge in this area and to identify psychological interventions to treat sexual dysfunctions in MS. Methods A scoping review was conducted to answer the following questions: (1) Which psychological and neuropsychological factors impact on sexual dysfunction in MS and vice versa? (2) What kind of psychological interventions aiming to improve sexual dysfunctions in MS are available? A comprehensive search and review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was completed by using a recent methodological framework for scoping reviews.

Locked-In Syndrome after Brain Damage

Brain injury, 2018

Patients with brain injury are at high risk for infections. Although infection and cognitive dete... more Patients with brain injury are at high risk for infections. Although infection and cognitive deterioration are established for people with dementia, this has not been shown for patients with a prolonged disorder of consciousness (PDOC). This study determines whether regular Wessex Head Injury Matrix (WHIM) assessments can identify early signs of infections in patients with PDOC. Retrospective and prospective approaches were used to assess the WHIM scores of patients with a PDOC (N = 21 in the retrospective study and 22 in the prospective study). The WHIM total scores decreased due to infections in 17 of the 21 cases of infection (p < 0.001) in the retrospective study and 15 (p = 0.001) of the 22 prospective cases of infection. Patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) showed a bigger proportion of change between their baseline score and the scores taken in the pre-infection stage in both the retrospective and prospective studies when compared to patients in a vegetative state...

Neuropsychological rehabilitation, 2018

Diogenes Syndrome (DS) is characterised by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, hoarding, soci... more Diogenes Syndrome (DS) is characterised by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, hoarding, social withdrawal, and lack of concern and shame for the individual's residential situation. This paper describes TD who was unable to identify emotional expressions of disgust and was borderline-impaired for facial recognition associated with perceptual difficulties. Problems interpreting expressions of disgust were interesting as TD was living in squalor, neglecting himself, and lacked concern for his circumstances. This led us to question whether the basis of his difficulties were neuropsychological or psychological in nature, which became the objective of this study, with a focus on shame and disgust. TD completed neuropsychological and psychological assessments alongside an experimental task investigating processing of disgust and his living situation. Results highlighted executive dysfunction but understanding of living with the consequences of squalor was spared as was emotion bas...

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Neuropsychological rehabilitation, Jan 10, 2017

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a little known genetic condition that causes severe disturbances in car... more Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a little known genetic condition that causes severe disturbances in cardiac rhythm and may result in sudden unexpected cardiac death in an apparently healthy person. The heart structure is typically normal but there are problems with electrical activity. The syndrome is named after Spanish brothers who are cardiologists, Pedro and Josep Brugada. BrS is the major cause of sudden unexplained death syndrome (SUDS), also known as sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). Following a description of the syndrome, including its prevalence and incidence, how it is diagnosed and how it can be treated, we consider those who survive a cardiac arrest and what problems they may face. Most publications focus on the medical aspects of BrS but, of course, cardiac arrest can result in hypoxic brain damage. We conclude with the story of Dave, a 25-year-old man diagnosed with BrS following a nose bleed and subsequent cardiac arrest. He was left with a visual impairment, dyston...

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 2017

Following a description about the characteristics of akinetic mutism (AM) and how it differs from... more Following a description about the characteristics of akinetic mutism (AM) and how it differs from locked-in syndrome (LIS) and a disorder of consciousness (DOC), we present the case of David, a 71-year-old man with AM. David sustained a stroke following a middle cerebral artery (MCA) thrombus. A CT scan at the time detected old ischaemic infarcts affecting the right frontal lobe, the left occipital lobe and the left parietal lobe so David had bilateral brain damage. Initially thought to have a DOC, further neuropsychological assessments administered when David had improved a little, resulted in the diagnosis of AM. Although David spoke little, when he did speak, his words and phrases were well articulated, grammatical and with appropriate intonation. He was alert and visually aware and he was not paralysed. We discuss whether the diagnosis was correct and address the difficulties in assessing such patients.

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 2016

Sheehan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s... more Sheehan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s syndrome (SS) is one of the pituitary disorders caused by severe blood loss during childbirth leading to necrosis of the pituitary gland. Diagnosis is made following severe haemorrhage, failure to produce milk and failure to menstruate. Rare in countries with good obstetric care, SS is still frequent in those countries with poor healthcare services. The majority of papers published on SS do not mention psychological or neuropsychological sequelae. Of those that do, mood disorders are sometimes reported and occasionally cognitive problems are noted, typically attention, memory or executive deficits. We report on Natasha, a British woman of Caribbean ancestry with sickle cell disease (SCD), diagnosed at age 33 years with SS following the birth of her second child. We know of no reports of a person with both SCD and SS. Natasha has been seen regularly for neuropsychological assessment and treatment for over two years. There has been a slight increase in her cognitive functioning but she remains with Balint&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s syndrome, so is unable to read. Treatment for this has been partially successful. Natasha presented with psychotic type symptoms when first seen but these have improved to a large extent. We believe that these symptoms are consistent with SS but the severe cognitive problems are more likely to be due to the strokes she suffered at the time of the haemorrhage and, possibly, to hypoxic damage caused by very low blood pressure.

Disability and rehabilitation, Jan 28, 2016

Modafinil is best known as a sleep regulator among healthy individuals, but studies suggest that ... more Modafinil is best known as a sleep regulator among healthy individuals, but studies suggest that it reduces excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with brain injury. This retrospective pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of Modafinil for people with a prolonged disorder of consciousness and whether those with a traumatic brain injury did better than those with a non-traumatic brain injury. Twenty four prolonged disorder of consciousness patients who were prescribed Modafinil, were assessed at least four times both before and during treatment. The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised was used to determine if patients had a disorder of consciousness and the Wessex Head Injury Matrix was used to monitor behavior during baseline and treatment periods. Patients with a traumatic brain injury (N = 12) were compared with those with non-traumatic brain injury (N = 12). A chi-square test with significance at 0.05 was used and when frequencies were below 5 a Fisher's Exact Test was used. Cogn...

NeuroRehabilitation, Jan 18, 2016

Balint's Syndrome is a rare condition, often associated with hypoxic brain damage. The major ... more Balint's Syndrome is a rare condition, often associated with hypoxic brain damage. The major characteristic is an inability to localise objects in space, another is simultanagnosia frequently resulting in reading difficulties. We present RN, a 37 year old woman whose major problem with reading was her inability to recognise individual letters correctly in either lower or upper case. We noted, however, that she was better if the letters were shown in red type. The aims were to determine if RN could relearn letters of the alphabet, investigate whether colour affected her ability to learn, and to explore more specifically whether the red type also helped her to read words. Using a single case experimental ABA design, we first determined that the optimal font for RN was size 16. In the baseline (A) phase, we assessed her ability to read all lower and upper case letters of the alphabet in black ink. In the intervention (B) phase we used font size 16 in red ink and an errorless learni...

Nursing Standard, 2016

This book documents the journey of Gary, a young man who sustained a severe traumatic brain injur... more This book documents the journey of Gary, a young man who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in an attack by a gang armed with hammers and baseball bats.

Cortex, 2007

The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD).... more The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty three AD patients and age-matched controls named pictures of objects and actions and took part in a word-picture verification task. The results for picture naming revealed that both patients and controls were faster and produced more target responses for objects than actions. In the comprehension task, accuracy levels were comparable for nouns and verbs, but response times were longer for verbs. Although patients were more error prone and had longer latencies in both tasks than controls, the only qualitative difference in performance between the groups was in response to trials with semantically related foils in the word-picture verification task. Patients were particularly error prone in this condition. We conclude that the results do not provide support for the notion that verbs are selectively preserved in AD. They also do not provide conclusive evidence for claims that depressed naming and comprehension is (always) due to loss of semantic knowledge or inadequate access to semantic knowledge. Finally, we discuss the findings in relation to comparable investigations in patients with semantic dementia.

Cortex, 2007

The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD).... more The study addresses the issue of the selective preservation of verbs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty three AD patients and age-matched controls named pictures of objects and actions and took part in a word-picture verification task. The results for picture naming revealed that both patients and controls were faster and produced more target responses for objects than actions. In the comprehension task, accuracy levels were comparable for nouns and verbs, but response times were longer for verbs. Although patients were more error prone and had longer latencies in both tasks than controls, the only qualitative difference in performance between the groups was in response to trials with semantically related foils in the word-picture verification task. Patients were particularly error prone in this condition. We conclude that the results do not provide support for the notion that verbs are selectively preserved in AD. They also do not provide conclusive evidence for claims that depressed naming and comprehension is (always) due to loss of semantic knowledge or inadequate access to semantic knowledge. Finally, we discuss the findings in relation to comparable investigations in patients with semantic dementia.